My Brothers All:

Congratulations are in order for the three KCCH brothers who were nominated and are being coroneted an Inspector General Honorary (33°), and the ten Masters of the Royal Secret who were nominated and are being invested a Knight Commander of the Court of Honor. The lists were provided at the top of this eNews. Please take time to congratulate these brothers as they have practiced Freemasonry and made an example of themselves for other to follow. To the recipients, you earned your honors and they are well deserved my brothers. I look forward to having you all join us for the Investiture and Coronation Ceremony in Tampa on Saturday, November 11th. Keith will provide you the information needed to make reservations for this event.

I would like to take a minute and offer a comment or two on change. It happens every day of our lives, in all areas of our lives and some of us see it as a negative, while others see it as a positive. I have always tried to embrace the phrase “Change is my Friend!” My friend, because of all the change I have experienced in my lifetime, in 99% of the cases it made me better and improved my situation or lead me down the path that turned out to be the right one for me and mine! I share these few thoughts on change because after you read my article on “Rightsizing the Rite in the Valley of Orlando” you will see we have change on the horizon. To quantify this change is summarized as – it is the right change, at the right time, for the right reason, and that is a good thing. By keeping an open mind, and focusing on the benefits we will receive, allowing us to continue practicing and sharing Scottish Rite Freemasonry in the Valley of Orlando, it will be positive change that will put our Valley in a much better financial position. Your support is earnestly requested, and greatly appreciated as we plan, implement and complete our transition.

You are reminded that there will be an important planning meeting for ALL Chairman of Committees (i.e. stage crew, wardrobe, lights, sound, make-up, etc.) as well as Degree Masters for all Degrees. It will be held on Wednesday evening of July 5th, starting at 7:00 p.m. and ending no later than 9:00 p.m. Please note that this is a change as this meeting was initially scheduled for July 8th at 8:30 a.m. I have heard from a few who are unable to make it, but I have asked them to have another member from their degree team or committee attend and represent them. I look forward to seeing you all on July 5th at 7:00 p.m.

Mentoring is an important part of a brother’s development in understanding of the Scottish Rite, and supports him in becoming an active part of our organization. Mentoring in this valley is done by the top line signer of a petition who is most likely best known to the new Master of the Royal Secret. Being there to answer their questions and ensure they are comfortable and feel a part of our Valley and the Rite is important as they continue their journey in the Scottish Rite. Feeling comfortable allows a New Master of The Royal Secret to enjoy the rights, light and benefits that are available to them as 32° Masons. As a top line signer – past, present or future (meaning ALL brothers) – of a brother’s petition into the Scottish Rite, you are requested to please put July 15th from 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. on your calendar for breakfast and a mentoring refresher program. Please note that the date has been changed to the 15th vs the 8th. Please contact our General Secretary Ill:. Keith Albright and let him know you will be attending, so we can ensure we have breakfast and enough handouts available for each Mentor attendee.

Until next time, remember the many things for which you are thankful! Be safe in your travels; “whisper wise counsel in the ear of an erring brother;” and respect the dignity of all, as it makes you and our fraternity stronger one action at a time. We are realizing the benefits of Scottish Rite Freemasonry as we actively participate today. We want to ensure that what we are enjoying today will be strong for those who will follow. Simply stated – “We lead the way today, so those who follow us can lead the way tomorrow!” Thanks for your continued support and participation; and may the “Spirit of Fraternity” reign supreme within our “Valley of Orlando!”

Fraternally,

Ill:. Chester A. “Chet” King, 33°
Personal Representative

“People forget what you say, and forget what you do, but forever remember how you made them feel!”